Further bus strike dates planned for March

In a statement, the Department of Infrastructure says: "In this year's pay settlement, bus drivers received a 3 percent pay increase. 

"Following that agreement, Unite the Union has asked for changes to bus drivers’ terms and conditions that will have the effect of significantly increasing drivers’ pay."

The union has announced the following strike dates:

·                     21 Feb –    3 Mar 2026 (10 days, ongoing)

·                       6 Mar – 10 Mar 2026

·                     13 Mar – 17 Mar 2026

·                     20 Mar – 24 Mar 2026

·                     27 Mar – 31 Mar 2026

The Department says negotiations are continuing with the expert support of the Manx Industrial Relations Service.

A DOI spokesperson says: "The average Bus Vannin driver has a median pay of £36,000 per year. The Department of Infrastructure has actively and positively engaged in this discussion on the basis that some working practices change, leading to improved operational efficiency. To date the Department has made six pay offers to try to settle the dispute.

"The Department must ensure good value on behalf of the taxpaying public, whilst ensuring fair salary is on offer to bus drivers. The Bus Vannin service is subsidised by the taxpayer by about £7m a year.

"The Department’s contingency plans, with the support of the public, have been successful. Some core services to the hospital and between the towns and Douglas have been maintained.

"Reports from the Departments of Health of Social Care, and Education, Sport and Culture, the police and highways officials have indicated that there are no significant issues, although there has been some additional traffic around schools.  

"The level of service has varied day‑to‑day depending on driver availability, but passengers have been kept are informed through the Bus Vannin website, social media and the FindMyBus app.

"Bus Vannin appreciates the goodwill of those staff who have agreed to work to keep core services running. It also recognises the impact that the strike will have on many people across the Island, and regrets that a resolution has not yet been found.

"The Department cannot give a running commentary on the negotiations, but it remains fully committed to engaging with Unite at any time on proposals that could form an acceptable and affordable settlement."